Indian student, bloodied, appeals for help after mugging in Chicago
What's the story
An Indian student on Chicago's North Side was severely injured in an attack by armed robbers early Sunday, leaving him struggling to walk.
A disturbing video has emerged showing Syed Mazahir Ali bleeding heavily from his nose and mouth as he pleads for help.
Ali's wife, Syeda Ruquliya Fatima Rizvi, has penned a letter to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, expressing concern for her husband's safety. She has also sought the ministry's assistance in securing proper medical treatment for him
Twitter Post
Video of Ali pleading for help
.@DrSJaishankar Sir, One Syed Mazahir Ali from Hyderabad, Telangana pursuing Masters in IT from Indiana Weslay University was robbed & attacked on 4th Feb by four persons in Chicago, Since this attack Syed Mazahir Ali is under mental shock and is in need of help.Ask… pic.twitter.com/Cf2jeMAvPw
— Amjed Ullah Khan MBT (@amjedmbt) February 6, 2024
Ambushed by four people
Attack details and aftermath
According to reports, the attack took place as Ali was returning home. He was ambushed by four people who proceeded to kick and punch him before stealing his phone and cellphone.
One of the attackers allegedly even brandished a gun at him.
He was later admitted to a local hospital, where he received treatment for multiple cuts and bruises.
Ali is pursuing a master's degree in information technology at Indiana Wesleyan University and moved there just six months ago.
Statement
Indian Consulate in touch with victim and family
The Indian Consulate in Chicago has confirmed that they are in touch with both Ali and his wife, Fatima, in India.
The consulate has promised all possible assistance to the victim and has also reached out to local authorities who are currently investigating the case.
The police are yet to make any arrests in the incident.
Family's reaction
I feel I should discontinue studies, go back: Ali's cousin
While Ali expressed shock over the incident, calling America his "dream country," Abdul Wahab Mohammed, his cousin, said such incidents make him question if he should return to India.
"Sometimes, I feel I should discontinue my master's and go back to my home country. Thinking about it and seeing such incidents, there is no proper security over here," he told local media.
The incident followed the deaths of four Indian-origin students in the United States this year alone.
Shreyas Reddy Beniger
19-year-old student found dead
Just last week, a 19-year-old student named Shreyas Reddy Beniger was found dead.
He was a student at the Linder School of Business in Ohio and held an American passport.
The authorities have ruled out any foul play.
Another Indian-origin student, Neel Acharya, was found dead on the Purdue University campus earlier that week. His mother had reported him missing just hours earlier.
The cause and manner of death are being investigated.